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California State University, Chico

Early Assessment Program

Helping high school students measure readiness and prepare for college-level Math and English.

Chico State student ambassador speaks with visiting middle school students about preparing for college.

The Early Assessment Program (EAP) is a collaborative effort among the State Board of Education (SBE), the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California State University (CSU). The program was established to provide opportunities for students to measure their readiness for college-level English and mathematics in their junior year of high school, and to facilitate opportunities for them to improve their skills during their senior year.

What is the Goal of EAP and Why Does It Matter?
The Early Assessment Program (EAP) is designed to help California high school students start strong in college by ensuring they’re ready for CSU-level math and English.

By identifying students’ readiness as early as 11th grade, EAP gives them time to build critical skills before setting foot on campus. Students who enter fully prepared are more likely to complete their general education courses in their first year, ultimately saving time, saving money, and increasing their chances of earning a degree on time.

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The Early Assessment Program partners with middle and high schools to help students, counselors, teachers, and families better understand CSU academic preparation and college readiness.

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How EAP Can Support Your School

The Early Assessment Program (EAP) can help your school with:

  • Student Presentations - Academic preparation, A–G requirements, CAASPP/EAP, CSU Multiple Measures, English and math readiness, and college/career exploration.   
  • Counselor & Staff Training - CSU readiness, GE placement, senior-year preparation, EAP updates, and resources for supporting students.   
  • English & Math Preparation - Support with ERWC, fourth-year math options, and appropriate senior-year coursework for students who need additional preparation.   
  • CAASPP/EAP Support - Help students and staff understand CAASPP/EAP results and how they connect to CSU English and math placement.   
  • Professional Development - Connect teachers with CSU-supported professional development opportunities in English Language Arts and mathematics.   
  • College & Career Readiness Events - EAP can participate in junior presentations, family nights, college fairs, counselor events, and other school programs.
  • CCGI training -Learn how to use the California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) platform to support students with college preparation and applications.

Chico State Early Assessment Team

Kelsey Dixon

Academic Preparation Outreach Coordinator
Kelsey Dixon
kdixon6@csuchico.edu 
530-898-5021

Additional EAP Staff

Campus Partners

Prospective students speak with campus staff beneath Student Life and Leadership tents at Choose Chico.

College Readiness Resources

Find helpful resources for middle school, high school, and prospective college students navigating their path to higher education.

Academic Preparation Is Key!

Students who score Level 3 or higher on the junior CAASPP/EAP English and Math assessments may be able to enroll directly in college-level GE courses without additional supported GE coursework. Students who do not meet those readiness benchmarks should use senior year to strengthen their preparation. Completing the appropriate 12th-grade English and math courses with a C- or better can help them enter college better prepared for first-year coursework.

Know more about GE placement and measures that CSU will use to determine your math and English first-year courses. Knowledge and preparation are key!

Math Preparation Courses

Expository Reading and Writing Course

Students socialize beneath blooming white trees in the Arts and Humanities building courtyard.

The Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC) is a CSU-developed, full-year college-preparatory English course designed to strengthen students’ reading, writing, critical thinking, and communication skills.

ERWC helps high school students build the skills needed for college-level English coursework and is an important part of the CSU’s Early Assessment Program (EAP) and academic preparation efforts.

ERWC is designed for 11th- and 12th-grade students and may be used as a senior-year English course to support college preparation.  

The course:  

  • Strengthens college-level reading and writing skills   
  • Develops critical thinking and communication   
  • Uses relevant, real-world texts and topics   
  • Supports preparation for college-level English
  • Meets the CSU/UC A–G “B” English requirement 

The CSU provides professional development for educators interested in teaching ERWC.  

Training introduces teachers to:  

  • ERWC curriculum and course materials   
  • Instructional strategies for each module   
  • College-readiness expectations   
  • Approaches for supporting student reading, writing, and critical thinking  Eligible English and AVID educators are encouraged to participate!  

For additional information, contact:  

Athena Murphy  
EAP English Coordinator / ERWC Trainer / CSU English Faculty
amurphy21@csuchico.edu 

Frequently Asked Questions

The EAP helps students determine their readiness to take college-level general education (GE) written communication and math/quantitative reasoning courses before attending a California State University (CSU), or one of the participating California Community Colleges (CCC).

  • Gives students an early signal about their preparedness for college.
  • If results indicate that students need support, students can adjust their senior year coursework to improve those skills.

The EAP is completed as part of the required California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) in English Language Arts/Literacy and mathematics.

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) in English Language Arts/Literacy and mathematics is administered towards the end of the 11th grade during the spring. Students should consult with their school counselor for school specific dates.

The EAP consists of English Language Arts/Literacy and mathematics.

The EAP is free to all students.

All 11th graders will participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) in English Language Arts/Literacy and mathematics. EAP results are included on the CAASPP Individual Student Score Report provided by designated high school.

Students can release their EAP results to California State University or California Community Colleges by simply marking the release button at the end of the test. It’s that easy! If students do not mark the release button, they will be required to submit their results at a later date.

The results are only valid the year following high school graduation.

EAP results are included on the CAASPP Individual Student Score Report provided by designated high school.

There are free customized information, tools, and test preparation available online at the link below.